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Fanfare Magazine: 28:5 (05-06/2005)
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Harmonia Mundi
HMG 507042



Code-barres / Barcode : 0794881944224
 

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Since Tomás Luis de Victoria wrote only sacred music, this program may be puzzling to some. The pieces are called motets, antiphons, and Mass movements, but they are performed as lute songs and (in five cases) instrumental solos. The arrangements originated in three sources. Two arrangements were published in Cologne in 1594; five more are found in British Library manuscripts dating after the composer's death; the rest are the work of Rivera himself. The result is quite remarkable. The pieces are completely transformed from choral polyphony to accompanied vocal solos, keeping their original texts but creating the impression that another composer wrote them. The familiar O magnum mysterium is an exception, for the top melodic line is retained for the vocal part.

Mena is a well-known ensemble singer, but this disc displays his considerable talent as a soloist. The voice has considerable power, but he uses it judiciously. It is a warmer voice than Robin Blaze, whose Byrd lute songs sound alike yet different. The accompaniments (the cornet is used sparingly in a few pieces) are suitably stylish. Not a disc to fill out a Victoria collection, this is recommended to collectors of vocal artistry.

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